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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A fast and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces dry spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 to 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the butter and wait until it foams but does not brown.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
  6. Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water and toss vigorously to create a creamy sauce.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan. Add lemon juice and zest. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure proper searing. Keep heat at medium when sautéing garlic to prevent burning. Use reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. For a lighter option, use whole wheat pasta and reduce butter. For a creamy twist, stir in heavy cream or parmesan cheese at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy seafood, 15 minute recipe, pasta dinner

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